ST. PAUL, Minn. — Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota has ruled out the possibility of running for the U.S. Senate and is instead contemplating a bid for a third gubernatorial term, according to an announcement made by his spokesperson on Wednesday.
The decision comes shortly after Democratic U.S. Senator Tina Smith declared that she would not be seeking reelection in 2026. This revelation prompted numerous political figures from both major parties to consider entering the race for Minnesota’s first open Senate seat in over a decade.
Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan was quick to announce her candidacy following Smith’s news. Other Democrats thought to be potential contenders include U.S. Representatives Ilhan Omar and Angie Craig, State Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Secretary of State Steve Simon. While Walz’s camp has made it clear that the governor has no plans to endorse any candidate in a primary contest for the Senate seat, the race is expected to be highly competitive.
Even before Smith’s announcement, the Democratic Party faced significant challenges in their attempt to regain Senate control, as Republicans hold a 53-47 majority. Smith’s decision not to run again removes a Democratic incumbent from the equation, adding to the difficulties of securing victories in potentially harder-to-win states.
Governor Walz gained national recognition when he was selected as the vice-presidential candidate by Democratic nominee Kamala Harris last year. If successful in his pursuit of a third term, Walz would become the longest-serving governor in Minnesota’s history, a title last achieved by Democrat Rudy Perpich, known for his non-consecutive terms ending in 1991.
The state’s political landscape has undergone shifts over recent years, with no Republican winning a statewide office since 2006 when GOP Governor Tim Pawlenty was re-elected. However, the state’s historically Democratic alignment is seeing more competitive contests in recent times, as exemplified by narrow defeats of Republican candidates in 2022 elections.
Prominent Republicans considering a Senate run include Royce White, a former NBA player and critic of the GOP establishment who previously challenged U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar in 2024, and retired Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze, who has declared his candidacy. Other potential Republican contenders include ex-sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya, state Senators Karin Housley and Julia Coleman, and attorney Chris Madel. Notably, Julia Coleman, listed among potential candidates, is related by marriage to Norm Coleman, the last Republican to hold one of Minnesota’s Senate posts.
